Deputy Fire Marshal I

The City of Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Deputy Fire Marshal I position.

An Overview
A Deputy Fire Marshal I performs base level job duties while obtaining Local and State mandated training and certifications. An incumbent in this class inspects buildings, equipment, and processes for compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and conducts investigations for cause and origin of fires, explosions, environmental crimes, and industrial accidents occurring within the City.

What You Should Bring
Under the general supervision of a Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, a Deputy Fire Marshal I enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code as adopted by the City of Alexandria; applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia, Code of the City of Alexandria, and related laws and ordinances; conducts fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential properties; prepares written inspection reports and notices of violation; prepares and makes written and oral presentations for the education of the public and other city employees; participates in special events within the city; interacts and coordinates activities with the public to include property owners, tenants, attorneys, development and design professionals, and professional and civic organizations.

A Deputy Fire Marshal I is a sworn law enforcement officer and investigates fire, explosion, and environmental incidents within the City and investigates the origin and cause of fires, explosions, and environmental crimes; conducts in-depth interviews of suspects and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; issues summonses and makes custodial arrests as necessary; prepares detailed investigation reports and cases for court and testifies as needed; responds to emergency incidents as directed; conducts in-depth investigations and follow-ups; maintains all state and local certifications required of the position; and performs related duties as required.

This position requires the ability to work shifts, stand-by, and call-backs for emergency or staffing needs. This position requires a candidate who can work independently and with minimal supervision at night, on weekends, and on holidays. This position requires the candidate to qualify and become proficient in the use of an issued duty firearm and the operation of an emergency vehicle.

Deliver innovative fire prevention solutions that meet code and regulatory requirements while providing the customer with reasonable and obtainable options. Must have interpersonal skills in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Examples of Work:

• Conducts inspections for violations of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, fire prevention permits, hazardous use permits, citizen complaints, City Council requests, new business licenses, alcoholic beverage control, day care facilities, and Department of Housing and Urban Development requests;
• Attends civic association meetings;
• Attends meetings with other City agencies including the police department, the sheriff's office, fire suppression, mental health, and adult/child protective services;
• Develops strategies to remediate code violations with other City agencies;
• Performs law enforcement activities related to listed investigations and inspections, including: obtaining and executing search warrants;
• Interviewing witnesses and suspects of crimes;
• Prepare case files for prosecution and conferring with the Commonwealth Attorney with regards to cases;
• Obtains subpoenas for records;
• Assists police with any law enforcement activities when requested;
• Assists State and Federal authorities with any law enforcement activities when requested; proactively monitors known nuisance activity areas for illegal activities;
• Attends required training, including: firearms training and firearms qualification;
• Provides courtroom testimony for criminal and civil cases;
• Provides extensive interaction with citizens, including: advising and instructing occupants regarding the fire code and causes of fires and other hazards;
• Responding to after hour citizen complaints related to property maintenance for the Office of Building Code Administration;
• Providing outreach and educational fire safety training to civic groups, residents, and business owners;
• Observing fire drills at businesses and schools providing feedback;
• Prepares accurate correspondence and report writing of inspections, investigations, condemnations;
• Works in other dangerous and hazardous scenarios, including: providing assistance in rendering properties safe during emergency incidents due to natural disasters or major fire situations; working in hoarded and unsanitary buildings; working in structurally unsafe buildings; working in dangerous outdoor conditions, including both landscape and weather hazards; working special events involving fireworks, and other hazards;
• Acts quickly and calmly in all hazardous and dangerous circumstances, including dealing with criminals and mentally unstable individuals;
• Performs related work as required.

The Opportunity
Working within the Alexandria Fire Department to schedule and respond to business owners and residents request for fire prevention inspections of businesses, schools and all other structures or processes regulated by applicable local, state and federal fire codes, regulations and ordinances. Identify fire code violations and hazards while working with the business owner and residents to abate the violation and/or hazard. Performs timely follow-up inspections to ensure compliance of applicable local, state and federal codes, regulations and ordinances to ensure compliance. The candidate will maintain an assigned City vehicle and equipment and must have the ability to maintain all certifications incumbent with the position of a Deputy Fire Marshal I.

About the Department
"Dedicated to our Community, Our Profession and Each Other"
The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials and marine response operations with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection and investigation to a 15 square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 290 personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some knowledge of fire inspection practices with the ability to recognize and define fire hazards and causes
• Ability to successfully complete the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy to include; Virginia Fire Inspector - 1031, Virginia Fire Investigator - 1033, Basic Law Enforcement Academy and DHCD CORE Academy
• Valid Driver's License issued by the state of their residence

Preferred Qualifications

• Four-Year College Degree from an accredited college or university
• Virginia Fire Inspector 1031 certification
• Virginia Fire Investigator 1033 certification
• Virginia Fire Marshal Academy/DCJS Law Enforcement certification
• Virginia Environmental Crimes Investigator certification

Applicants who already possess these certifications must show proof of certification by attaching a photocopy with the application or presenting them at the time of interview.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of an extended background investigation to include:

• Criminal Records Check.
• Drug Test.
• Medical Fitness for Duty Examination.
• Polygraph
• Psychological

Work Schedule:
40 Hour Work Week